malvernmugadzikwa
Dennis Chimanzi
AFRO-FUSION outfit Mokoomba will for the first time perform live at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), and the show will probably be used to measure the group’s popularity in the capital.
The gig is scheduled for December 22.
Made up of six members, Mokoomba is arguably more popular across the border, particularly in Europe and America, than in Zimbabwe.
Coming from the resort town of Victoria Falls, the band previously performed at much smaller venues in Harare, namely, Alliance Francaise and Ela The Garden.
In the “litmus test” show, the Afro-fusion ensemble will try to fill up the colossal auditorium, like what Jah Prayzah and Winky D have done on several occasions.
HICC’s carrying capacity is estimated to be around 4 500.
A number of musicians, including some prominent ones, have in the past tried but dismally failed to fill up the venue.
Mokoomba manager Marcus Gora said filling up HICC was an achievement any serious local musician hopes to achieve.
“It is a dream for any serious artiste. One cannot claim to be a popular artiste without filling up the HICC. This is the ultimate test,” Gora said.
According to the manager, the decision to go for this venue was in response to public demand.
“Our local fan base has been growing in leaps and bounds and most venues in Harare are becoming smaller and smaller by the day. As a result, we elected to use a much bigger place,” he said.
The band will perform without supporting acts. “Like I said before, we are using this show to measure our popularity. As such, we are not involving any other bands as we seek to get the correct position regarding our popularity in Harare,” said Gora, who has been with the group since the early days.
He said his group has prioritised local fans ahead of international followers this festive season.
“As a band, we decided to spend the festive season with our kith and kin. Unlike in the past, when we normally performed in Europe in December, this year we are performing at home.”
Bongani Ndlovu